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There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Spokane to Vancouver. Traveling by train from Spokane to Vancouver usually takes 34 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 6 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 285 mi (458 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 46m |
| Lowest price | $32.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 2 |
Average score for trains from Spokane to Vancouver
(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Staff was courteous, helpful and it was a pretty relaxed trip. We left at 4:00 a.m. from Spokane got into Vancouver about 10:30. So most everybody was sleeping. Tips: Bring a pillow with you in a light blanket.
5.0
Pros: Was very nice. Good views. Easy travel. Tips: Stop talking loudly on the train.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Spokane to Vancouver was $123.21. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Spokane and Vancouver. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Vancouver if you book your train tickets at least 22 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $112.22.
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Spokane to Vancouver will cost between $134 and $247. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Spokane to Vancouver, book online with Wanderu at least 22 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $112.22 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
2 train services operate from Spokane to Vancouver. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 10h 37m | $53.88 |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 1d 11h 56m | $174.63 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Spokane to Vancouver every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $38.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.
The distance between Spokane and Vancouver is approximately 285 miles, or 458 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 46 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Spokane to Vancouver on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Spokane at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Spokane to Vancouver. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Vancouver to Spokane.
As the second-largest city in the state, Spokane is a family-friendly Washington destination that offers plenty of fun for everyone. The first thing you should do is explore the numerous lakes that the city is blessed with. Offering idyllic views as well as the chance to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, the local lakes allow you to fill an entire day with plenty of fun. The best choice would be Lake Pend Oreille, which features still water and a calm vibe. While you’re in town, check out Riverfront Park. Voted one of the most beautiful urban parks in the U.S. by National Geographic, the park sits on the bank of the Spokane River, offering a great chance for you to unwind and get lost in nature. If you seek a cultural experience, Corbin Art Center might just have what you need.
Spokane greets its hungry visitors with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, which offer the freshest produce. Some local favorites you should check out include Gander & Ryegrass, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, or Churchill’s Steakhouse.
Spokane’s main hub of transportation is the bus & train station at 221 W 1st Ave right in the heart of the city’s downtown area. From there, you can catch buses to various cities like Seattle, Missoula and Portland, as well as trains to San Francisco, Chicago and Salt Lake City, among many other places. Spokane is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. The city’s main airport is Spokane International Airport, situated 5 miles west of downtown.
Image credit: Unsplash
Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.
Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.
Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Nick Bramhall
Link to image attributionThe Spokane Intermodal Center on 1st Ave is Spokane’s primary hub for bus and train service. The city’s original train station was built at this location in 1891, and the red brick building has since been remodeled and expanded to include intercity bus service, too. Today, passengers can catch the iconic Amtrak Empire Builder train along its route from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, or hop on a FlixBus US or Jefferson Lines bus heading to destinations throughout the Northwest. The station is just north of I-90 and centrally located in Spokane, within a mile of the sprawling Riverfront Park, the Spokane Convention Center, and Gonzaga University.
Spokane Intermodal Center - 221 W 1st Ave
420 4th St N
Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave
Chicago (Union Station), Illinois
400 1st Ave SW
Union Depot
Whitefish Cmnty Library
Wenatchee Train Station
450 Railroad Avenue
Icicle Station
555 E St Germain St
Transp Ctr - 90 Alder St NW
359 N Ludington St
601 St Andrew St
230 W Central Ave
Vancouver has one train station.
1301 W 11th St
$159+
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$435+
$259+
$175+
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$79+
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